Around the Farm (ATF) takes a quick look at some of the daily performances by Indians prospects. This is a special fall and winter ball version of ATF that recaps all the offseason action by Indians players in the Arizona Fall League and the Caribbean Leagues. The positions listed below are where the player was playing in the game.

Arizona Fall League

Jake Lowery (Peoria Javelinas, C): 0-4, 1 K. With only 25 at-bats during the offseason, a game like this really hurts Lowry’s overall line. He’s now 1-8 in his last two games dropping his batting average all the way to .240. He’s still shown good plate discipline and has performed well defensively. This was his final game in the AFL as he is a taxi-squad player who only plays on Wednesday and Saturday.

Tyler Naquin (Surprise Saguaros, CF): 0-5, 3 K’s. The worst part of this line isn’t the 0-5 performance, but the three strikeouts that came with it. Still, as long as long as the strikeouts don’t start becoming a habit again, this game does little to diminish his strong .351/.413/.432 line this fall.

Tyler Sturdevant (Surprise Saguaros, RP): 1 IP, 1K. Sturdevant has now pitched four scoreless innings for Surprise giving up three hits and recording three strikeouts. As he looks to put himself on the Indians radar as a legitimate relief option, it’ll be nice to see if he can continue this after the AFL season and into winter ball - something he and the Indians are trying to get him set up for.

Venezuela Winter League

Jesus Aguilar (Leones del Caracas, 1B): 1-6, 1 RBI. Aguilar’s recent struggles continued in this game. His lone hit was an RBI single that brings his mark to 26 during the offseason. However, after the 1-6 night Aguilar is only hitting .220 with a .646 OPS over the last ten games. With a schedule that runs through the end of December, it’d be nice to see Aguilar work through this funk and finish up on a high note for a winter season that’s been a rousing success.

Bryan Price (Bravos de Margarita RP): 1.2 IP, 2 K’s, 1 BB. Price recorded his fourth save this offseason and lowered his ERA to 2.12. He’s continued where he left off at Columbus, following a strong 2013 season with an equally impressive season for Bravos. Price hasn’t given up an earned run since October 29th and has 18:5 strikeout to walk ratio in 17 innings.

Dominican Winter League

Erik Gonzalez (Leones del Escogido SS): 1-4, 2 K’s. The strikeouts continue to rack up for Gonzalez (20 in 78 at-bats). However, it’s tough to complain too much when he’s hitting .385. His plate discipline needs work, but Gonzalez’s performance offensively thus far shows that he might be poised for a big season at Carolina in 2014.

Juan Diaz (Estrellas de Oriente, SS): 1-4, 2B, 1 RBI, 1 K. Not that it was anything special, but this might have been Diaz’s best game this offseason. That speaks volumes to his struggles with Estrellas this year. His double was only his second extra base hit and his RBI was only his third this winter. It can only get better for Diaz going forward.

Jose Ramirez (Toros del Este, 3B): 0-4. For the first time in eight games, Ramirez failed to record a hit. It’s been a mixed bag for him thus far in the winter, with the most concerning item being an uncharacteristic 13:2 strikeout to walk ratio. While he hasn’t been bad, it’d be nice to see a little more from a guy who will be going to camp looking to grab a spot on the 25 man roster.

User Comments

Tony

November 14, 2013 - 11:23 PM EST

And saying that is not a knock on Price at all. Just always trying to be the voice of reason to manage expectations which often get out of whack. I hope he goes in and makes the decision tough and their first option to recall when a need arises.

Tony

November 14, 2013 - 11:21 PM EST

Hi Jim, it is from what I know in talking to some people in the know and going by history. Like I said, Price will certainly be a depth option for the Indians, but the odds of him making the opening day bullpen are extremely long. It would take a series of injuries to open the door. He has no major league experience and their history shows they don't start zero service time rookies in Cleveland, they always start them in Triple-A. It is kind of like last spring.....guys like Langwell, Guilmet, Lee, etc all had zero chance of making the opening day roster. Sure, they will publicly tell the press they are in the mix, but behind closed doors the decision was already made to send all of them to Triple-A before spring training even opened.

Jim

November 14, 2013 - 7:13 PM EST

Tony,
I have a question for you, is it your opinion that price has no chance to make the team out of spring or is that the Indians statement. I only ask because u state it as a fact.

Tony

November 14, 2013 - 4:05 PM EST

I think Sturdevant could be a fit for any of the winter leagues, but would think he could fit in well in Puerto Rico with the other Indians playing on Edwin Rodriguez's team. Could help monitor him too. He will need to show health and might be an option later in 2014 since probably he won't be rostered this offseason.

Price has put himself into the mix as a depth option for 2014. He has no chance to make the club out of spring training, but can definitely help his chances for a callup anytime later in the year.

Walter

November 14, 2013 - 3:23 PM EST

Any idea where Sturdevant will play winter ball since he is done in the AFL? If healthy, does he become a option later in 14 or more likely in 15?

Price continues his good performance. Could be a sleeper in Spring training. I hope the Indians give him a shot to bullpen position. If not I hope he an option later in 14.

Available IBI Books

The 2014 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider book featuring the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is now available. Also, previous editions from 2008-2012 are also available at a discounted rate. Just click on the book image for more information. Thanks again for all the support!